Join host Patrick Riley as he welcomes fellow VFW member Stuart "Dragon" Draughon to share incredible stories from his submarine service in the U.S. Navy. In this gripping episode, Dragon takes us deep beneath the waves to experience life aboard a nuclear submarine during some of the most dramatic moments of his five deployments.

Hear the heart-pounding account of launching Tomahawk missiles from the Mediterranean during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where the compression from underwater missile tubes made ears pop and the entire submarine shudder. Dragon shares what it was really like to be part of the "Silent Service" during wartime operations, from a sailor's perspective who was still learning the ropes.

But the military action is just the beginning. Dragon recounts one of the most harrowing sea stories you'll ever hear, when their submarine traveling at 50+ knots underwater struck and split a whale in half, causing an 80-degree roll that launched him from his top rack and cracked his ribs. Listen as he describes the dangerous underwater welding operation to free massive whale bones from the propellers, complete with shark watch and no decompression chamber aboard.

From the Arctic ice where footsteps could be heard across the silent frozen landscape, to the comedy of errors that left the crew eating nothing but noodles for three months straight, Dragon's tales capture both the extreme danger and unexpected humor of submarine life. You'll also hear about charity missions in Tunisia, ports of call around the world, and the unique challenges of living underwater for nine months at a time.

Whether you're a military history buff, submarine enthusiast, or just love incredible true stories, this episode delivers unforgettable tales from the depths. Hey, I need to continue to promote the book "Deception Underway" and share updates about the VFW Post 4266 in Parker, Colorado.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Visit UnderwayBooks.com for more military stories and Patrick's published works.

From the Depths: Dragon's Navy Tales - Tomahawks, Whales, and Life Below

Join host Patrick Riley as he sits down with longtime friend and USS Hewitt shipmate Rob Gage for an in-depth conversation about naval life in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Rob shares his journey from joining the Navy in 1987 as a sonar technician to serving on two ships - the USS England (CG-22) and USS Hewitt (DD-966) - before transitioning to shore duty as base security in Japan.

In this episode, Rob recounts his experiences from boot camp in San Diego to his adventures across the Pacific, including memorable port visits to the Philippines, Thailand, Egypt, and extensive time stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. He discusses the challenges of making rank as a "non-push button" sailor, the camaraderie of shipboard life, and the unique experiences of being base police in Japan during the early 1990s.

Rob also reflects on liberty adventures in places like Subic Bay, Roppongi, and climbing Mount Fuji, while sharing insights into the cultural differences and memorable moments that shaped his nearly nine-year naval career. The conversation touches on his post-Navy life with the postal service, his passion for competitive shooting, and how military service prepared him for civilian success.

Whether you're a Navy veteran, military history enthusiast, or simply enjoy hearing authentic stories of service and adventure, this episode offers a genuine glimpse into Pacific Fleet operations during a pivotal time in naval history.

Part of the World's Finest Strike Podcast series, featuring stories from USS Hewitt veterans and their naval experiences.

Sonar Tech Career path: Life Aboard the USS Hewitt

In this episode of the World’s Finest Strike Podcast, host Patrick Riley reconnects with longtime shipmate Dave Knapp from the USS Towers (DDG-9). Together, they revisit life underway in the late '80s and early '90s—from crossing the Pacific and pulling into exotic ports, to the unforgettable liberty adventures in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Italy. Dave recounts his journey from boot camp to the USS Seattle and reflects on what it meant to serve as an Electronic Warfare Technician during one of the Navy’s most operationally intense periods.

This candid conversation covers everything from outrunning Liberty boats in Pattaya, laughing uncontrollably on Japanese trains, to the quirks of East vs. West Coast duty. Packed with humor, history, and heartfelt memories, this episode is a reminder of the bond that never fades between shipmates.

Ship served: USS Towers (DDG-9), USS Seattle (AOE-3)
Era: 1988–1994
Keywords: Navy Liberty, Sea Stories, Yokosuka, Hong Kong, EW Techs, USS Towers, Pattaya, 7th Fleet

Liberty Boats and Long Laughs: Sea Stories with Dave Knapp of the USS Towers

In this powerful episode, host Patrick Riley sits down with DC1 Federico "Del” Delgadillo, a seasoned sailor whose time in the U.S. Navy took him from the decks of the USS Midway to the liberty ports of the USS Hewitt (DD-966).

Del shares raw memories of the devastating fire aboard the Midway in 1990, the lives lost, and the emotional toll that still lingers. From firefighting and guilt to brotherhood and survival, his story honors the resilience of sailors who lived through the unthinkable.

But it’s not all heavy—Rico also brings the laughs as the two shipmates reminisce about wild liberty calls in Australia, Japan, Oman, and beyond. They explore what made independent steaming on the Hewitt so unique, why liberty hits differently in a small port, and the unforgettable characters met along the way.

This episode is for every sailor who served, every friend who remembers, and every listener who wants to know what life in the fleet was really like.

Check out Patrick’s new novel “Deception Underway” on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at underwaybooks.com [http://underwaybooks.com/].

Episode 2: From Fires to Freedom – Rico’s Journey Through the Fleet

In this inaugural episode of The World’s Finest Strike Podcast, host Patrick Riley sits down with longtime friend and former shipmate Rob Clements, a seasoned Fire Controlman who served on four different Navy ships across both coasts of the United States.

Together, they revisit their shared experiences aboard the USS Hewitt (DD-966)—affectionately known as the World’s Finest Strike Destroyer—and reflect on the unique bond formed at sea. From watchstanding and weapons systems to liberty calls and the unspoken codes of Navy life, this episode kicks off the series with heart, humor, and salty sea truth.

Rob shares stories from his East Coast and West Coast tours, offering insight into the differences, challenges, and unforgettable moments from both fleets. It’s a raw and real conversation between two veterans who lived it, and now relive it for listeners who’ve served—or just want to hear what life underway was really like.

Subscribe and listen as we launch this journey to capture the voices, stories, and spirit of sailors past and present.

Deception Underway is available at Amazon and www.underwaybooks.com

What we do to sell a product (Deception Underway)...

Real Sailors. True Stories. Unfiltered Liberty.

In this introductory episode of Voices of the Sea, host and former U.S. Navy sailor Patrick Riley shares the story behind the launch of this new podcast dedicated to preserving the sea stories, liberty adventures, and lessons learned by veterans across generations.

What started as a group chat among old shipmates grew into a mission—to capture the spirit, humor, hardships, and heroics that define life underway. The first episodes will feature close friends and shipmates, then expand to welcome new voices through referrals and personal connections.

Voices of the Sea is more than just storytelling; it’s a way to support and reconnect the veteran community and inspire anyone who’s ever been curious about life at sea.

If you’d like to support the show, visit underwaybooks.com or search for Deception Underway by Patrick Riley on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com.

Subscribe now and stay tuned—your sea story starts here.